Taunton to hold community forum on combating heroin abuse

TAUNTON — A surge in overdose rates has inspired a "community discussion."

Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter and Taunton police Chief Edward Walsh will host what organizers are calling "a Community Discussion on Combating the Abuse of Heroin" on Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at Friedman Middle School.

The forum will address "the growing concerns of heroin use, overdose, and the tainted strain of heroin that has plagued the East Coast," according to a press release from Hoye's office.

The forum is open to the public.

Taunton police posted a message Sunday morning on their Facebook page, warning of the city's recent "overdose epidemic" related to heroin and other drugs.

Police reported another fatality and about 10 other overdoses over the weekend. Both January and February have brought far more than the usual number of overdose cases to the city.

"The Police Department wants to take this opportunity to again remind residents of the current overdose epidemic in the community," Taunton police posted Sunday morning on its official Facebook page. "If you or someone you know has a heroin addiction problem, seek help immediately."

Taunton police also warned heroin users that if they are determined to use the drug, they should not take heroin while they are alone.

"If you are using heroin, do not do it unmonitored," the message said. "Our fatalities involved individuals who were alone with no one present to call for medical assistance if needed."

The forum's guest speakers and additional details will be announced at a later date.

For more information, contact Hoye's Chief of Staff Alyssa Gracia at the mayor’s office at 508-821-1000.

— Staff Reports

Taunton to hold community forum on combatting heroin abuseTAUNTON — A surge in overdose rates has inspired a "community discussion."Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter and Taunton police Chief Edward Walsh will host what organizers are calling "a Community Discussion on Combating the Abuse of Heroin" on Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at Friedman Middle School.The forum will address "the growing concerns of heroin use, overdose, and the tainted strain of heroin that has plagued the East Coast," according to a press release from Hoye's office. The forum is open to the public.Taunton police posted a message Sunday morning on their Facebook page, warning of the city's recent "overdose epidemic" related to heroin and other drugs.Police reported another fatality and about 10 other overdoses over the weekend. Both January and February have brought far more than the usual number of overdose cases to the city."The Police Department wants to take this opportunity to again remind residents of the current overdose epidemic in the community," Taunton police posted Sunday morning on its official Facebook page. "If you or someone you know has a heroin addiction problem, seek help immediately."Taunton police also warned heroin users that if they are determined to use the drug, they should not take heroin while they are alone."If you are using heroin, do not do it unmonitored," the message said. "Our fatalities involved individuals who were alone with no one present to call for medical assistance if needed."The forum's guest speakers and additional details will be announced at a later date.For more information, contact Hoye's Chief of Staff Alyssa Gracia at the mayor’s office at 508-821-1000.